We need more language justice in fundraising spaces

Co-Authors 

Desireé Martin, Associate Director of Narrative Power for Black Feminist Future, member of Texas Black Migrant Ecosystem powered by Black LGBTQIA+ Migrants Project 

Tyra Montour, MPH, Doctoral Student, member of Texas Black Migrant Ecosystem powered by Black LGBTQIA+ Migrants Project 

Monti Hill, Marketing and Communications Manager, Rebus Foundation, member of Texas Black Migrant Ecosystem powered by Black LGBTQIA+ Migrants Project 

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Language barriers can significantly hinder participation for marginalized communities, particularly in contexts where fundraising is essential for accessing educational or cultural programs. 

Language justice involves creating an environment where our humanity and the humanity of others are respected through the use of language that doesn’t center on Western culture. 

Language justice is not just a budget addendum for translation services. It's a commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive society. It’s about honoring our diverse backgrounds and ensuring that everyone from all cultural backgrounds has the opportunity to communicate and be understood. 

As we continue to see policy and programs become under-resourced, the divestment of language justice services from progressive initiatives persists; it is critical for principled philanthropists to create a world where everyone, regardless of their language background, has the chance to thrive.

We all deserve access to the resources and opportunities available to us. 

For a significant number of individuals, mainly Black migrants in the United States, the lack of language justice in philanthropic efforts creates substantial barriers when trying to access necessary funding to support the services someone might need. 

For instance, when legal aid nonprofits provide people with know-your-rights resources, training, and legal aid. Sometimes, those resources are limited because of language barriers, making it longer for detained people to seek services and speak to someone who knows their native language—making their stay in deportation longer. 

With a stable philanthropic landscape for language justice, migrants can voice their concerns and priorities with dignity.

For many, especially Black migrants in the US, the absence of language justice in philanthropy serves as a barrier to funding, as well as to the discussions that determine where and how that funding is allocated within the community.

Policies are broadening the immigration enforcement system and creating deeper connections within the criminal legal system. This not only perpetuates the pipeline of the industrial prison complex but also intensifies the demand for social services in immigration spaces. 

When language justice is not at the center of those intersections, mainly  Black migrants have higher chances of staying in detention centers longer with little to no resources. Usually, these scenarios involved legal aid not knowing native languages other than Spanish or English.

Community Centric-Fundraising teaches us how to develop a system change approach to build more equitable philanthropic systems that can change and improve for all people – especially marginalized communities. By creating an anti-racist approach to language justice, more nonprofit organizations work closely with legal access groups and lawyers. 

We have to start asking ourselves what the future looks like to support language justice —providing room to hire language justice translators, community groups, or requests to expand support and ask for more language learning workshops. There are so many possibilities for everyone to thrive.

When diversifying language access with BIPOC communities, organizations can enhance their fundraising capabilities and ensure their initiatives are accessible to a broader audience. 

It's past time that the philanthropy landscape makes space for communities that want to build intentional futures. Implementing language justice-rooted initiatives can bring positive change and create a more inclusive and equitable future.

Language justice is the key to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in the social and economic fabric of our society. 

Expanding language justice services and improving funding in the sector will allow more inclusive and thriving communities for many im/migrants and their dignity to thrive in this country. When someone is free to speak their native language, it’s a greater chance to support them with their needs or provide legal aid. 

There have been cases where migrants express why they are seeking asylum because of their sexual identity and the fear of being persecuted or, much worse.

The future of language justice and access to services means developing futuristic pathways that uproot the traditional ones in our sector

Ensuring that people can assess information in their primary language to secure housing, healthcare, education, or even legal assistance improves the quality of life for individuals but also strengthens the sector’s immigration organizing and overall well-being. Ensuring situations that expand into the courtroom to ensure that someone is translating and vocalizing the needs and concerns, developing a pathway of trust and support. 

To address systemic inequities, stereotypes and biases that perpetuate discrimination and marginalization in philanthropy must be dismantled. Funding and resources can be expanded beyond legal aid services and be allocated to developing an ecosystem of interruptions. Expand outreach services for BIPOC to apply to become interrupters and provide a decent wage for their services. 

Including language justice services creates a space where multilingual communities can actively participate in and drive initiatives that address their unique priorities. Language-inclusive policies and practices help to build spaces where no one's identity leaves them out of the conversation. 

The philanthropy table just needs to make space for us and all of our primary languages.